So you’ve seen the best smartphones you could buy for under RM1600. But what if your budget didn’t stretch that high? After all, there are plenty of you who are still studying, or perhaps are just looking for a cheaper alternative as gifts or even as a secondary device. The funny thing was, some of us at HQ were curious too, seeing as some of us possess more than one mobile number.

Naturally, we returned to our initial list of devices, and filtered out those which cost over RM1000. Here are five of the best smartphones you can buy for under RM1000, a price point many will be comfortable with.

Motorola Moto G

What else can be said of one of the defining smartphones of 2013? The Motorola Moto G redefined the mid-range smartphone by offering solid hardware, balanced design and Android 4.4 at rock bottom prices. Also one of our picks for the Best Smartphone of 2013. The lack of LTE does nothing to dent the Moto G as the best Android smartphone under RM1000 – and probably even smartphones double its RM699/799 retail price.

Nokia Lumia 625

If you prefer a Windows Phone, the Nokia Lumia 625 is the top choice for under RM1000. The most affordable LTE-enabled Windows Phone in the market, the Lumia 625 also packs a 5MP rear camera with Nokia’s imaging know-how built-in. And, with other Windows Phone-exclusive apps such as HERE Maps, this WP8 smartphone is as well-rounded as its contoured polycarbonate shell.

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3

1.2GHz dual-core|1GB RAM|8GB (expandable)|5MP|4″ 480 x 800| RM799

The cheapest LTE-enabled Android smartphone from Samsung, the Galaxy Ace 3 is the smartphone to go if you really, really need LTE connectivity. There will naturally be major concerns with the rather small 1800mAh battery.

In other words, get this over the Moto G if and only if you fully make use of LTE connectivity.

Alcatel One Touch Idol X

Highlighted by reader rimba, the Alcatel One Touch Idol X offers flagship specs at almost half the price of a flagship smartphone. As with most smartphones powered by a MediaTek chipset, the Idol X does not have LTE, but in terms of value for money, this smartphone is right up there next to the Moto G.

Lenovo P780

Yet another favourite among readers, the Lenovo P780 is loved by many for one thing: its 4000mAh lithium polymer battery. With that amount of juice, the dual-SIM P780 just keeps on going. As with many phones at this price point, the Android 4.2-running P780 does not feature LTE, but this device does feature USB-OTG, allowing you to charge other devices with the massive battery within.

Nokia Asha 503

Perhaps you’re looking for a first smartphone for your child. Or even a handy secondary phone that has amazing standby times. On both fronts, the Nokia Asha 503 is perfect. The Asha Platform is an interesting smartphone platform for beginners to learn the ways of a smartphone, and it is also one of the more power-efficient operating systems for budget devices. Add in the entry-level hardware and dual SIM support, and you’ve got quite a package for a mere RM319.

Let’s also not forget that the Asha 503 also has a 5MP camera, supports 3.5G connectivity and the Nokia Glance Screen, and has apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, LINE and WeChat. And since it’s a Nokia, it’ll probably also last forever.

Got a smartphone which you think should be in this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, and we’ll update the post if the suggested device fits the bill. After all, we envision this list to be a one-stop location for readers looking for the best smartphone in Malaysia below RM1000!